DOD Transformation Initiatives and the Military Personnel System: Proceedings of a CRS Seminar
Abstract
On April 9, 2003, the Congressional Research Service sponsored a seminar for the purpose of examining the Department of Defenses transformation plans, assessing the impacts these plans might have on the military personnel system, and discussing what issues these impacts might raise for Congress. This report summarizes that seminar and provides a transcript of it. Conversational language was retained so as to assure authenticity.1 The impetus for this seminar was the Department of Defenses ongoing efforts to transform the U.S. military. There are a number of competing definitions of precisely what transformation is, but the term generally refers to a dramatic change, a quantum leap ahead, in military power due to technological advances, new operational concepts, and organizational changes. Much of the discussion about transformation has revolved around the advanced technologies especially information technologiesthat allow the U.S. military to detect, track, and destroy enemy targets more rapidly and with greater precision. Significant attention has also being directed towards developing new warfighting concepts in order to employ advanced technologies for maximum effect. Yet often overlooked in the public debate has been the organizational aspect, which some believe to be the most important and challenging component of transformation; and central to any discussion of organizational change is the military personnel system. The panelists for this seminar were Dr. David Chu, the current Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness and Dr. Bernard Rostker, Senior RAND Fellow and Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness during the Clinton Administration. Robert Goldich, a specialist in national defense policy with the Congressional Research Service, served as a respondent on the panel. Key comments made by the participants are summarized below. Additionally, at the end of each comment is a page number in parentheses.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 12, 2003
- Accession Number
- AD1171948
Entities
People
- Lawrence Kapp
Organizations
- Library of Congress